The first step in the financial aid process is to file your FAFSA. This may be done online after you receive a personal identification number (PIN) to use as your electronic signature. If you are a dependent student, your parent will also need to apply for a PIN so he/she can sign your FAFSA electronically. You may file the FAFSA after January 1 of each year that you will apply for financial aid. Be sure to file by the PSU priority deadline of March 1, as certain funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.